Power Book III: Raising Kanan has captivated audiences for four thrilling seasons, bringing a deeper, more nuanced look at the origins of one of television’s most compelling characters, Kanan Stark.

MeKai Curtis (Kanan) and Sascha Penn (series creator and showrunner) are preparing for their highly anticipated fourth season. During a recent conversation with BlackTree TV, they talked about the show’s evolution, character development, and the intense personal and professional bonds that have impacted their journey.

“I Want Them to See Me”: Kanan’s Struggle for Identity

MeKai Curtis has found playing Kanan Stark a profound and transformative experience. During his interview, he stressed the connection between Kanan’s growth and his desire to define himself outside his mother’s shadow.

“You got to understand Kanan… How people see you now is how they’re going to see you forever. Now, you want people to see you, Kanan? I want them to see me as me, not who my mother is.”

The core of Raising Kanan is the struggle for independence and control over his destiny. Kanan’s latest season is expected to push him further into a world where every decision has significance and trust is both an asset and a liability.

Sascha Penn on What MeKai Curtis Taught Him

Penn, responsible for the Power prequel, admires Curtis and the entire cast. He acknowledges that working with Curtis has been a learning experience, even though he is the creator and showrunner.

“I think he’s probably taught me more than I taught him, frankly… What MeKai has taught me, really, is to trust the actors. Because what MeKai has done—and all the actors on this show have done—is taken this material and made it so much better.”

Penn and Curtis’s mutual respect and creative growth have exemplified the importance of collaboration in bringing this powerful story to life. Penn acknowledges that performances elevate a script beyond what’s written on the page, making it extraordinary.

Four Years of Brotherhood: The Bond Behind the Scenes

The cast and crew formed an unbreakable bond during four seasons of filming, particularly during the early days of COVID-19. Penn thought about how the pandemic’s unique circumstances made everyone even more dependent on each other.

“Especially in Seasons 1 and 2, we were in New York when you couldn’t go out, couldn’t really socialize with anybody else. The only people you had were the people you worked with. And I think that really forced us together in good ways.”

The show is now a raw, emotionally charged story of power, survival, and identity because of that intense and immersive experience that shaped it.

Kanan’s Journey: The Balance Between Right and Wrong

In Raising Kanan, there is a recurring theme of the blurring lines between right and wrong, survival and morality. Season 4 will see Kanan making decisions shaping his future, making those dilemmas even more intense. This brutal reality is highlighted through a tension-filled exchange between Kanan and another character:

“You even know the difference between right and wrong?”

“I know the difference between life and death. And I know the only reason you still breathing right now is because of the calls that I’ve made. You alive because of me.”

Kanan’s world is characterized by calculated risks, shifting loyalties, and constant danger. Penn observed that the actors’ performances make those stakes feel real, as every decision could be his last.

MeKai Curtis on Handling Fame and Pressure

The success of Raising Kanan has made Curtis a recognizable figure in the Power universe. Delivering an authentic performance has always been his top priority.

“I take that as another day at the office, truthfully. My concern was actually making sure I gave a good product. I like being good at [expletive] I do.”

Through his commitment to excellence and respect for the fans, he has ensured that Kanan is still familiar to long-time Power viewers and accessible to new audiences.

“I wanted to make sure that people who were fans of the series and this universe before were still captivated and had their cross-thread to the original world. But I also wanted to create a new lane for people to come into this world.”

Raising Kanan has been successful because it finds a balance between honoring the past and forging a new path.

The Future of Raising Kanan

The journey of Kanan will only get darker, more complex, and more intense as the show progresses. Season 4 promises to be the most gripping installment as Curtis fully embraces the role and Penn continues to guide the vision. Raising Kanan in Power Book III is unlike any other crime drama. A story about identity, survival, and the choices that define us that is intensely character-driven: Penn’s leadership and Curtis’s powerful performance will elevate the Power universe even further in Season 4. Are you prepared to witness the unfolding of Kanan’s story? The arrival of Season 4 is imminent and will be a significant event.